Research Blog : directories, consumerhttp://evpl.org/community/blogs/research/archive/tags/directories/consumer/default.aspxTags: directories, consumerenCommunityServer 2008 SP1 (Build: 30619.63)Be A Smarter Consumerhttp://evpl.org/community/blogs/research/archive/2009/08/06/be-a-smarter-consumer.aspxThu, 06 Aug 2009 20:39:00 GMT9a7b961d-7882-4302-b701-732ca0e566f2:1740SuDocQueen@evpl2http://evpl.org/community/blogs/research/rsscomments.aspx?PostID=1740http://evpl.org/community/blogs/research/archive/2009/08/06/be-a-smarter-consumer.aspx#comments<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;font-family:Calibri;"><img width="162" src="http://www.consumeraction.gov/images/frontcovercropped.jpg" alt="Cover of the 2009 Consumer Action Handbook" height="213" style="float:left;margin:5px;" />That&rsquo;s what it says on the front of the 2009 Consumer Action Handbook, and that&rsquo;s what this book is trying to help us all become.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;">&nbsp; </span>Created by the GSA ( U.S. General Services Administration) Federal Citizen Information Center in conjunction with several other federal agencies and corporations, the book offers a multitude of useful information and resources for the in-the-know and the wanting-to-know consumer.</span></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;font-family:Calibri;">The book breaks into IV sections.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;">&nbsp; </span>The first gives detailed tips for consumers on subjects that range from buying a car or TV to choosing health insurance and a doctor to how to protect oneself against identity theft and how to handle wills and funerals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;">&nbsp; </span>The subjects are too numerous to completely list here, but each topic is addressed fully.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;">&nbsp; </span>The second section offers advice for filing a complaint, how to use Dispute Resolution Programs, and covers Small Claims Court as well as contacts for reporting fraud and safety hazards.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;">&nbsp; </span>The third part lists additional sources for consumer information, and the fourth is a long list of direct contacts for assistance from the government and corporate America.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:&#39;Calibri&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:&#39;Times New Roman&#39;;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA;">We have two circulating copies of this little gem as well as a reference copy here at Central.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;">&nbsp; </span>Or, since those of you reading this obviously have computer access, if you prefer you can get the same information from the <a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/"><span style="color:#800080;">www.ConsumerAction.gov</span></a> website. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes;">&nbsp;</span>If the website&rsquo;s information seems too chaotic and you&rsquo;d prefer the information displayed the same way it would be in the book, you can use the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/pdfs/2009_Handbook_Web_Version.pdf">PDF</a> from the website instead.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;">&nbsp; </span>One nice little extra on the website is the Consumer News section.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;">&nbsp; </span>It&rsquo;s a box situated on the right hand side of the main page and offers links to events of consumer interest like &ldquo;Kolcraft Recalls 1 Million Play Yards Due to Fall Hazard&rdquo; or &ldquo;Five Tax Facts About Summertime Child Care Expenses.&rdquo;</span></p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://evpl.org/community/aggbug.aspx?PostID=1740" width="1" height="1">businessaddressesaidconsumerdirectories2009